1. Safety At Home And Away An important part of living a healthy lifestyle is practicing safe habits and not taking unnecessary risks (potentially harmful chances). Riding a bicycle can be risky- but you don’t have to avoid it for fear of hurting yourself. Instead, you obey the rules of the road and wear a helmet when you ride. This would be called an acceptable risk.

2. Acting Safely Don’t give in to peer pressure. Oftentimes, kids that usually make safe decisions are influenced into making bad decisions. Think before you act. Don’t let your emotions rule. Always keep your mind focused on what you’re doing. Know your limits. Do not take needless risks. Set reasonable limits before you start an activity.

3. Safety In The Home You probably think of your home as the safest place you know. However, most houses are filled with hazards (possible sources of harm). These hazards include slippery floors, cluttered stairways, electrical outlets, ovens, and guns. Accidents and injuries caused by these hazards can be prevented by knowing and following safety rules.

4. Preventing Falls Wipe up spills right away. Keep steps and stairways well lit and free of clutter. Fasten rugs firmly to the floor. Use nonskid mats in baths and showers. Do not run on wet or waxed floors. Use a sturdy stepladder to reach items on high shelves.

5. Electrical Safety Do not use appliances with frayed wires. Pull out plugs by the plug itself- not the cord. Put only two plugs in an outlet. Keep electrical products away from water. Do not use an electrical product if you are wet.

6. Fire Safety Never let a child play with matches or cigarette lighters. Install a smoke alarm on every floor in your house. Test them regularly! Recycle old newspapers. Discard fire hazards from your garage or storage area. Purchase a fire extinguisher. Keep stoves clear (of unnecessary objects) when cooking. Check electrical wires and outlets for safety.

7. Gun Safety Guns should be kept in locked cabinets. Guns should be stored unloaded. Children should not handle guns. If guns are carried, the barrel should be pointed downwards. Guns should never be pointed at anyone.

8. Being Safe In The Streets These days, many communities are working hard to help keep the streets safe. Neighborhood Watch Programs, in which police train residents to look for and report any suspicious activity, are increasing. These programs, along with curfews for teens, drug-free zones, safe passage routes for kids going to school, and stricter gun laws, help reduce crime in many areas.

9. Being Safe In The Streets (cont.) There are several steps you can take to avoid becoming the victim of a crime. First, and most importantly, do not look like a target! Walk with a purpose and with confidence. Second, whenever possible, do not travel alone. Third, don’t go into areas that are known to be dangerous or that are not familiar to you. Finally, consider taking a self-defense class!